Speaker Martin Amaewhule criticises Governor Siminalayi Fubara over the late submission but says lawmakers approved the spending framework in the state’s interest

The Rivers State House of Assembly has approved the 2026-2028 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) despite criticising Governor Siminalayi Fubara for submitting the fiscal document about nine months later than the timeline prescribed under state law.

Also read: Rivers Shuts 6 Hospitals in Shocking Child Trafficking Crackdown

The approval was granted on Friday during plenary in Port Harcourt, one day after the spending framework was presented before the House, with Speaker Martin Amaewhule saying lawmakers chose to act in the interest of Rivers State despite the delayed submission.

In a statement issued by his media aide, Martins Wachukwu, Amaewhule said Section 10(1)(b) of the Rivers State Fiscal Responsibility Law No. 8 of 2010 requires the Medium Term Expenditure Framework to be presented to the House in September preceding the next financial year.

According to the Speaker, the document ought to have been submitted in September 2025 as the foundation for the state’s 2026 budget preparation.

“Section 10(1)(b) of the Rivers State Fiscal Responsibility Law No. 8 of 2010 requires that the MTEF be laid before the House in September 2025, four months before the commencement of the next financial year.

“But in the interest of the state, the House deemed it expedient to consider the document, which is a precursor to the State’s 2026 Budget Estimate, even though the year is already half gone,” the statement said.

Amaewhule explained that members carefully reviewed the assumptions contained in the expenditure framework before deciding to approve it.

The statement noted that lawmakers concluded the projections and underlying assumptions would serve the interests of Rivers residents if properly implemented.

“Predicating on the positive consideration of the MTEF by members, the Speaker put the question and members voted in the affirmative,” the statement added.

The Medium Term Expenditure Framework is a statutory fiscal planning document that outlines a government’s medium-term revenue projections, expenditure priorities and macroeconomic assumptions. It provides the basis for preparing annual budgets and is intended to promote fiscal discipline and effective public financial management.

Also during Friday’s plenary, the House received a petition from the Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Dr Gift Worlu, over an alleged imminent security threat within the local government area.

The petition, presented by the member representing Obio/Akpor Constituency II, Hon. Emilia Amadi, alleged threats to lives, destruction of property and attempts by some individuals to forcefully take over property in parts of the council area.

Presenting the petition, Amadi urged the Assembly to revisit the matter and take appropriate legislative steps to safeguard lives and property in the affected communities.

Friday’s sitting marked another significant development following the Assembly’s return to legislative activities after months of inactivity. The House had last convened in February to screen commissioner nominees submitted by Governor Fubara before adjourning indefinitely.

Lawmakers reconvened on Thursday after about three months, with the consideration of the Medium Term Expenditure Framework becoming one of the first major legislative actions since resuming plenary.

The latest development comes amid continuing efforts to restore normal legislative and executive processes in Rivers State following months of political tensions.

Also read: Rivers State Reaffirms Commitment to Investment-Friendly Reforms

The approval of the MTEF clears an important procedural requirement ahead of the preparation and presentation of the state’s 2026 Appropriation Bill, although the Speaker’s remarks underscore the Assembly’s concerns about compliance with statutory fiscal timelines.